Most Popular Degrees for International Students in Russia/CIS

Fields international students commonly choose

International students in Russia and the CIS enrol across a broad range of fields. Commonly chosen areas include engineering and technology, the natural sciences (such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics), information technology and computer science, economics and management, and various medical and health-science programmes.

This is a general picture, not a ranking. The right field for any individual depends on interests, strengths, and goals — popularity alone is not a reason to choose a subject. There are no fixed demand or salary figures attached to these fields, and any such specifics should be checked against official and current sources.

• Engineering and technology
• Natural sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics)
• Information technology and computer science
• Economics and management
• Medical and health-science programmes

Engineering, science, and technology

Russia and several CIS countries have long-established universities in engineering, the physical sciences, and mathematics, and many international students are drawn to these areas. Programmes range from broad foundational degrees to specialised tracks, at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

Programme availability, language of instruction, and structure vary by university and department. Confirm the specific programme details — including whether it is taught in Russian or English — on the official university site.

IT, economics, and management

Information technology, computer science, economics, and management are widely offered and frequently chosen by international students, including in some English-taught programmes at universities that provide them. These fields combine technical or analytical skills with broad applicability across sectors.

As with all fields, the value of a programme depends on its content and how you apply it, not on its popularity. Check the curriculum, language, and entry requirements for any programme on the official source.

Medical and health-science programmes

Medical and health-science programmes are a common choice among international students in the region. If you are an Indian student considering a medical degree, note that the rules that matter for you are set on the India side: appearing in NEET is mandatory to pursue medicine abroad, and the National Medical Commission (NMC) sets eligibility and guidelines.

Indian students who study medicine abroad and want to register and practise in India must, per official rules, clear the screening examination (the FMGE, conducted by NBEMS, which is transitioning to NExT) and complete the required internship. All of these requirements should be confirmed directly with the official NMC, NEET, and NBEMS sources before making any plans.

• NEET is mandatory for Indian students pursuing medicine abroad (verify on NEET / NMC)
• The NMC sets eligibility and guidelines for foreign medical study
• Practising in India requires clearing the screening exam (FMGE, by NBEMS → NExT) + internship
• Confirm all current rules on official NMC, NEET, and NBEMS sources

Choose by fit, not by popularity

The most popular field is not automatically the best field for you. A strong choice matches your genuine interests and strengths, the language you can study in, your budget, and the career or further-study path you have in mind — including any recognition rules for a regulated profession.

Use popularity only as background context. For your decision, weigh fit and verify the practical details (programme content, language, cost, and recognition) on official sources.